Runaround

5/30/2008
Dear M E,

Could you please tell me when I can expect my Syria payment? It’s been six weeks since I turned in my invoice.
 
Thank you,
SarabellaE

5/30/2008

Dear SarabellaE,
 
Sadly, the turnaround time on payment right now is slow: about eight weeks from submission of invoice to cutting of check. The invoice log shows that your Syria invoice was submitted for payment on April 18; that means that the check should be cut sometime in the middle of June and mailed out shortly thereafter.
 
Sorry I can’t be the bearer of better news . . .
M E

6/24/2008
Dear M E,

I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to inquire about the status of my Syria copyediting payment. It’s been nearly 10 weeks since I submitted my invoice for that project. It’s nearly 7 weeks since I submitted my Israel invoice. I’m hoping that you can look into my payments and let me know when to expect them. I’m very much hoping they will be arriving any day now.
 
Thanks very much!
Sincerely,
SarabellaE
 

6/24/2008

Dear SarabellaE,
 
As of yesterday, I was told to tell people inquiring about invoices submitted in April that those invoices “will be paid within the next week” and that “freelancers should get them [the checks] next week.”
 
Assuming that that information is accurate, I’d probably look for the Syria check somewhere around the July 4 holiday weekend.
 
Payment for Israel, the invoice for which which was submitted in May, probably will take a few weeks longer.
 
Hope that helps . . .
 
M E

6/24/2008

Frankly, no. It does not help very much. But I thank you for the information. 
Sarabellae

7/8/2008

Dear M E,
Please check on the status of my Syria check. It has now been 12 weeks since I submitted my invoice. This delay in my payment is causing me a financial hardship. I performed this copyedit in good faith, trusting that I would be paid within a reasonable amount of time.

Thank you.
SarabellaE

7/8/2008
Dear SarabellaE,
 
I just forwarded the details of your past-due Syria invoice (again) to my supervisor, who will query accounting and get back to me with any news. I will let you know what’s what as soon as I hear anything.
 
For what it’s worth, I was told earlier today that checks for work done in April are being cut this week. Let’s hope yours turns out to be among them!
 
M E

7/8/2008

Thank you, M E. I hope so too.

Posted In: kids on July 8, 2008 Comments (8)

Shockingly Unprofessional

This was in my inbox this morning. It was sent to a potential client from the network coordinator. I guess the potential client and the network coordinator didn’t hit it off.

 “I am instructing the editors in my network to dump your haughty ass. You will not be working with any of our editors. Please take your business to a third world country.”

Wow. I’m kind of speechless. At first, I didn’t notice the To field on the email and for a brief second I thought I was being canned by the network.

Posted In: kids on Comments (4)

2008 Red Rose Kindergarten End-of-Year Letters

At Lucas’s school, the children do not get letter grades or report cards. They get final end-of-year letters from their teachers. The first part is a general letter sent to all the parents explaining what the class of children did during their kindergarten year; the second part is is another letter specifically about Lucas—what he was like, what he did, what his virtues and challenges were. (I scanned the letters so there may be some OCR glitches, but I think I caught the worst of them.) 

Anyway, I’m very proud of Lucas.

 

 
 
June 2008
 
Dear Red Rose Parents,
This has been a wonderful year with your children. What a beautiful tapestry we have woven together. Each child brought a wonderful light and color. The older children, coming with confidence and eagerness, brought rich and strong colors to help weave their part in the lovely pattern of the kindergarten year. They welcomed the younger children with enthusiasm and joy. The younger children brought their bright colors and heavenly light. Together we joined hands in dancing, in singing, in work and in play. Several golden threads carried through the year. The very first day, the king and queen puppets brought us a kindness pouch which contained a lovely copper ball that could help the kindness of each child’s heart come into their hands and words. If someone had extra kindness they could also give some to store in the kindness ball. By the end of the year, a great wave of kindness had been woven into the fabric of the class and the ball was shining.
The house elves also wove their own colors every day through their stories. Before clean up time we would all gather and hear from them about their adventures. Some times they would tell us what was happening outside with the pea-fairies and the rain fairies. Other times they would tell us about what the Little Ones (the dolls that you helped with) did at night.
The songs of circle time carried us from one colorful season to the next. How we loved to sing about Michael and the blacksmith. Soon it was time for autumn leaves and the Indian songs of gratitude for Thanksgiving. The quiet mood of December brought our Advent songs. Winter songs gave voice to the nippy weather and muddy boots. “Dance with me, dear Valentine”, found us all circling under branches made from two children holding hands. May Day was such a joy to share with you as we “let the ribbons fly”. We ended the year singing and weaving together our love for one another as brothers and sisters.
Each story cast a magic spell on the class. What anticipation built as the children listened to the story being told! Then it unfolded as a puppet show by the teacher and again as the children moved the puppets. The favorite time came as we acted the story as a play (usually three times). Sometimes the child could be the King or Queen and next time a tree or door. What imaginative capacities were cultivated in this weaving together. The stories sometimes carried a seasonal mood like George and the Dragon and the Nativity story. Always there were stories of both heroes and heroines, who met great challenges successfully. Some of our favorites were “The Queen Bee”, “The Magic Lake at the End of the World”, “The Donkey Prince”, “The Country Bunny”, “The Bamboo Maiden”, “Masha and the Bear”, “Johnny Cake”, and “The Three Oranges.”
The rhythm of the day and the week gave a beautiful pattern to our tapestry. So many skills were practiced every day. The morning started with us all learning to move and sing together, so that after a week or two, the seasonal circle was confidently and joyously sounding. We then moved into free play where every day a new house was built for our turtle, Teeny Big, becoming more and more elaborate. Marble runs became engineering marvels, with many secret passageways. During this time, all the children learned how to knead the bread and cut the vegetables for our soup with Ms. Johnson. Fingers became more nimble as we stitched, finger knitted and cut out Valentines. What fun we had with wool as we felted pumpkins for Halloween, colorful balls for our fathers for Christmas, and a heart for Mother’s Day. Indian crowns were stitched, Valentine crowns were cut and glued. During this time children would take their Little One on an adventure, making them houses, beds and boats.
After Easter the older children became very busy learning new sewing skills. Needles were threaded and knots tied. They each made a needle book with the blanket stitch and then received their own needle and six pins. With this needle they began their own puppet, with many fine stitches. What a joy it was to see them become finished with crowns, capes and decorations. A story was created for these twelve puppets and presented to the younger children before the puppets went home.
During clean up time, every child had the same job for several weeks. Usually two children would work together to set each comer of the classroom to order. Big sheets were folded, marbles found their basket and the bathroom sink was polished. This practice in cleaning and teamwork will serve the children well. We all were so happy to see how beautiful our kindergarten could look. The older children helped wash the dishes again after snack. Learning to get them clean took a little practice, but before long it was done easily. At the end of the year, the older children were proudly teaching the younger children how to do the dishes.
Then came outside time. There were rivers to build in our sandbox. The hand over hand bars were a great challenge met by nearly all the children. We loved to nibble from our garden and to harvest our peas and lettuce. Many fine tea parties were held. The spring brought many new friends in the form of bugs, which were gathered in large tubs, to be set free before story time.
Joy in friendships, joy in a job well done, joy in learning a new skill brought a rosy glow to our finished tapestry. Thank you so much for your support. Ms. Johnson and I have so enjoyed this year.
May your summer be renewing and happy. Thank you for being part of our kindergarten tapestry.
Love,
 
B K
 


 
June 2008
 
Dear Sara and Ian,
How happy Lucas was to return to kindergarten as one of the older children. He was delighted to see his friends and warmly welcomed the new children. We began our day with circle time as we sang and danced through the seasons. Lucas was quick to learn the new songs and verses and enjoyed when some familiar ones returned. He could be silly at this time, but we worked on being part of the group and he became more focused.
During free playtime, Lucas was so happy to be able to make his own sword for Michaelmas. He worked on it diligently and did a fine job. He was eager with any handwork project and enjoyed felting and making many paper boats. Sometimes he would choose to draw or play with his many friends making marble runs. How delighted Lucas was when his Little One, Sunflower, returned to him. Many of the boats were for Sunflower. Lucas was an enthusiastic baker and was also a great helper chopping vegetables. When it was time to make his puppet, Lucas was excited. He made a lovely needle book and began his puppet. At first it was going to be the hero of our Indian story but later became a sea captain. What an adventure it was in the final puppet show as the dragon hid in the Sea Captain’s boat, only to be conquered by Michael.
Clean up time could be challenging to Lucas because he love to talk to his friends and tell them wonderful stories. They would be sitting there spellbound by his tales. As the year progressed we worked with him to focus more at this time and he made good progress. Having a few daily chores at home would support him in learning to finish his tasks.
Outside Lucas loved to play in the sandbox. With his friends he would create many rivers, bridges and islands. He is kind and inclusive in his play and was everyone’s friend.
Lucas loved story time and would listen intently as the story unfolded into a puppet show and a play. Thank you for protecting him from media, for his lively imaginations are his own. When he was given a large role in the play he filled it with depth and poise. He was the kind brother in “The Queen Bee”, Michael, a king, and the Grandfather Bunny in our Easter story of the “Country Bunny”.
Thank you for your wonderfully open sharing in our parent meetings and your support this year. My love and best wishes go with Lucas and you as he begins his journey through the grades.
Love,
 
B K
 
Posted In: kids on July 6, 2008 Comments (2)

Work Prospect

I’ve recently completed the independent contractor and new vendor paperwork required by a Big Publisher. It appears that I won’t be required to take an exam, which is a miracle in the world of freelance editing. Their paperwork sucked though, as they required proof of my independent contractor status—apparently they either have been slapped or else are paranoid about getting slapped by the IRS for not having clear proof that their freelance editors are freelance and not employees. I was asked to supply several items from two lists, which included things like my Schedule C, 1099 forms for other clients, business license, marketing materials, list of business assets, etc. I feel that this is rather invasive; I don’t think it’s any of their business whom I work for or how much money I make from my other clients. 

Alas, I also feel over a barrel and in need of new clients, and so with a protest I provided personal information on their written assurance and reassurance that my info will be kept confidential. I told them that I had been a victim of identity theft before and had never before been asked for this type of personal information. I also blacked out dollar amounts. 

On my freelance email list there was a recent discussion about this situation. Many freelance editors said they wouldn’t work for a client who required this of them. Many others said they did it because they wanted the client and it turned out to be a short-term inconvenience for a long-term payoff of good work and a good relationship. Some suggested trying to get by with a written statement that one is a freelance independent contractor/business owner who does business with multiple clients, yadda, yadda yadda.

Now, I’m hoping that they’ll (a) not be fuckers with my information, (b) send me a nice fat job that won’t suck, and (c) actually pay on a reasonable time line, unlike the last new-ish client I worked for. (I still haven’t been paid for any of the four copyedits I performed for them between end of April and the first week of June.)   

Posted In: kids on Comments (0)

Thank you, Friends

Thank you for the reassurance and loving, supportive comments on my last post about my dad’s heart surgery. It was helpful reading about your various experiences with scary stuff like this. I suppose heart surgery is a somewhat common thing; I’ve just never had to deal with it before. And, like I said, it’s my Dad, ya know? So I am worried but I will gradually process all of this. It sounds like the surgery won’t happen for a couple more months. Hopefully my parents will go on their vacation and have a wonderful time. I plan on spending lots of time with them, as usual, in the intervening months. I plan on learning as much as I can about the procedure and Dad’s specific case and then I plan on praying. A lot.

Posted In: kids on July 5, 2008 Comments (1)

Dad’s Heart Surgery Will Happen Soon

Yes. I have known about it. Yes. I have conveniently pushed it aside, out of my mind. Because he’s my Dad. And because he’s Invincible. At least, that’s what I’ve always thought and what I choose to continue thinking.

But the doctors told my dad last week that they want to do the valve replacement surgery that they mentioned a few years ago SOON. My dad got septicemia a few years back and became very sick. Hospital sick. IVs-at-home-around-the-clock-for-12-weeks sick. Helping-my-dad-change-his-IV sick. Watching-him-shrink-in-size sick. It was the most scary event of my life to date.

The septicemia was the result of a crazy kidney stone gone wild. It moved out, then back in, then out, then back into his kidney multiple times, causing damage and an infection that quickly went systemic. Anyway, the bacteria flourishing in his blood quickly and efficiently attacked his heart, just like mine threatened to do after Asher was born. Only, Dad really had it worse because the bacteria did some damage to his heart and caused a heart murmur. It kinda means that the valve is damaged and his heart therefore is not efficiently pushing blood in the correct direction. He has cardiomegaly, which means his heart is enlarged and working harder than it should have to work.

So, they’re planning to replace the valve. It’s just as invasive a surgery as it sounds. They will choose between an artificial valve, or a cow or pig valve and put one of those into my daddy’s heart. Then, they’ll give him a bunch of drugs to keep his body from rejecting the new valve. I believe that is called “immunosuppression therapy.”

My dad has outlived his father, who died at age 45, by 17 years. Dad never expected to, and seems somewhat surprised by this fact whenever he discusses it. I think he expected to have a short life, and I think it has greatly influenced the person he is: carefree, intensely loving, and jolly. He’s always had a carpe diem kind of attitude.

The doc discussed his hope to have Dad on the surgeon’s table “soon.” Dad said, “Well, I have a vacation planned with my wife. We’re going to Fiji and to Australia at the end of July for our 40th wedding anniversary. And it’s paid for, so we’ll have to wait until after I get back.”  That’s SO like my dad.

Although there is no set date, it looks like September will see my dad trudging off to the hospital for a major surgery. We should expect at least three weeks for recovery, and probably more. He sounds a little scared when he talks about it, but he’s still planning to take us all to Maui in January. He says he might have to make Ian carry his bags then, as he’s not suppose to lift heavy things for several months.

So, there are the facts that I know. My brain gets it. My feelings are FREAKING THE FUCK OUT. This story will be continued, probably many times over the next few months.

Posted In: kids on July 3, 2008 Comments (9)

Fireworks Near Sacramento

I lifted this list from http://sacramentorealestatevoice.com/2007/06/28/celebrate-july-4th-in-sacramento-ca/

Cal Expo State Fair will again put on a fabulous display of fireworks beginning at 9:30 p.m…go to the Fair, stay for the show.

Carmichael, Fireworks will display at La Sierra Community Center around 9 p.m. 

Citrus Heights Fireworks is held at Sunrise Mall and will start at 9:40  pm after a day of celebration.

Elk Grove, Salute to Red, White & Blue at Elk Grove Regional Park at 9:45 pm is a favorite all day event.

Folsom, fireworks at Pro Rodeo City ordinance due to fire danger, no fireworks in parks

Rancho Cordova will celebrate at Hagan Park with 3 days of fun, fireworks display  

Due to the extreme fire danger many of the County’s have restrictions in place and some have even banned the road-side fireworks being used in their respective areas. Be sure to check out whether or not you can use fireworks prior to purchasing them.  

Tahoe’s Fireworks Although there has been fire damage, Lake Tahoe wants everyone to know that Lake Tahoe welcomes each and everyone to come celebrate July 4th.

South Lake Tahoe will be having Lights on the Lake . 

North Shore at Lake Tahoe  

PLACER COUNTY Fireworks

Auburn, Gold Country Fairgrounds (Sac Bee Article) located at 1273High St. After a day of fun events, top it off with the firework display starting at 9:40 pm

Lincoln, Mc Bean Park on 5th Street between A and F Street beginning 4th of July events and ending with Firework display between 9 and 10 pm at 65 Bean Park Drive.

Roseville, fireworks display will be held at th Placer County Fairgrounds at 7:00 pm sums up the day starting in Downtown Roseville with a parade and games & fun at Royer Park,  

Yolo County Fireworks

Davis will celebrate with a party at the Community Park with free swimming, vendor and entertainment will be present with fireworks kick off at 9:30 p.m.

 

And here’s what News10 has to say about area fireworks shows: http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=44096&provider=top

Posted In: kids on Comments (0)

  • About Sara

    Thanks for visiting! I’m Sara, editor and writer, wife to Ian, and mother of two precious boys. I am living each day to the fullest and with as much grace, creativity, and patience as I can muster. This is where I write about living, loving, and engaging fully in family life and the world around me. I let my hair down here. I learn new skills here. I strive to be a better human being here. And I tell the truth.

    Our children attend Waldorf school and we are enriching our home and family life with plenty of Waldorf-inspired festivals, crafts, and stories.

    © 2003–2018 Please do not use my photographs or text without my permission.

    “Love doesn’t just sit there like a stone; it has to be made, like bread, remade all the time, made new.” —Ursula K. LeGuinn

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